City council and mayoral candidates are gearing up for the Nov. 7 General Election across the county but rarely have cities seen such a complete replacement as Cosmopolis, in which all five council positions are up for election or for a fill-in, as well as the mayor.

Members of city departments and the municipal government are preparing for the transition, said City Administrator Darrin C. Raines.

“This is something I’ve never seen in my 36 years,” Raines said. “It has never happened in Cosmopolis that I’m aware of.”

Two candidates have submitted letters of interest in filling in the fifth seat, which was vacated last month when Councilor Miles Wenzel stepped down, said Mayor Kyle Pauley. Normally, the staggered terms mean the city council brings on new members in phases with continuity of experience, but that may not be the case here.

“State rules alternate terms to ensure that there are some experienced council members in all cities, so having (four out of five) of the council on a ballot that does not include any incumbents was unique in itself,” Pauley said. “With the resignation from the fifth councilor it certainly puts the incoming council in an interesting position.”

The coming months go through unplotted waters, Pauley said.

“We are very lucky to have our administrative staff with many years of experience to help guide the newly elected as of January 1, but we are in a situation I have never seen before,” Pauley said.

Continuity of government

New perspectives can be good, Raines said, but new council members take time to train and get used to the role they’re elected to.

“It’s going to be challenging to say the least. Having a new city council can be refreshing. But it also can be a hindrance on progress simply because they don’t really know what they can and can’t do,” Raines said. “It’s going to take time for them to get comfortable with what their responsibilities are.”

Having a new look can be a plus, said Cosmopolis Police Chief Heath Layman. Many of those running have no prior experience on the council.

“Sometimes someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing is just what you need. As long as they come alongside us to serve this community they’re a welcome addition to the team,” Layman said. “The council might decide my purse strings, but I work for the citizens of this community. They are my employer. That doesn’t change.”

New council members and mayors are provided with training as they enter the position, Raines said.

“The Association of Washington Cities has a new elected officials training that they can take either online or in person,” Raines said. “That training lays out what their responsibilities and roles are.”

Many newly elected officials aren’t aware of the actions they can be held liable for, Raines said, such as defamation.

“City government is fraught with rules and regulations in regards to how a meeting is legally able to be ran, as well as a bevy of laws dictating how a city does any actions,” Pauley said. “It is overwhelming for any new political position, but without any kind of parliamentarian or experienced official it makes the transition more difficult.”

With the general lack of former council experience in the candidates running, Raines said he has concerns about how the newly elected councilors will come to grips with the realities of the role.

“Our fear is having an inexperienced council that doesn’t really understand how to get done what they want to get done and how city government works. My greatest wish is that they will take the time to learn how city government works,” Raines said. “From the outside looking in, it is totally a different perception.”

Raines and Layman both used the example of the Cosmopolis Fire Department as an example, praising the work Chief Nick Falley has done with the job.

“The perception out there is that we don’t have a fire department. There’s a lot of false information out there people are assuming is true without finding out the facts,” Raines said. “What Nick has done is just outstanding. What those guys have built is outstanding.”

Financial straits

The new council is a concern, Layman said, but he’s ready to work with whoever gets elected for the betterment of the residents. The financial situation for the city, with the shuttering of the Cosmo mill, is a bigger concern for him, Layman said.

“We’re going into uncharted territory. We have a questionable financial outlook with a questionable city council and mayor. It’s a complete unknown,” Layman said. “I remain hopeful. Regardless of what choices get made for me, we’re going to have guys with integrity out doing the absolute best they can every day. I’m very proud of these officers and staff.”

The shutdown is not a new one for municipal staff, Raines said — he hoped newly elected officials are prepared to work with city staff to navigate the shoals.

“We’re struggling financially with the loss of Cosmo. Some of us have been here through the closures of the mill,” Raines said. “We know what needs to be done. We need the approval of the council and the mayor to do it.”

The police department’s belt is already cinched tight, Layman said.

“We have to get creative as a community. The leadership that’s elected is going to have to figure out how to pay for the day to day operations of having public safety,” Layman said. “I’m more concerned about resources than council support. Resources is more front of my brain , top of my mind.”

If they can weather this lean year, Layman said, the city will hopefully be in sounder financial waters soon. Regardless, Layman said his mission does not change.

“I think if we can get through 2024, there will be some really positive things going on. I hold hope for Cosmo still. We’re going to do our best and keep protecting the community,” Layman said. “The seasons change but one thing remains the same. This department is committed to serving the citizens of Cosmopolis.”

Contact Senior Reporter Michael S. Lockett at 757-621-1197 or mlockett@thedailyworld.com.